Birches School Computer Lab’s formal program is for third, fourth, and fifth graders.  This program stresses keyboarding skills.  Students in all three grade levels spend the first ten minutes of each weekly class practicing keyboarding.  They use either Type to Learn or Type for Fun.  These two programs are available for home use through our Scholastic Software Club.

Students put their keyboarding and language skills into practice by use of word processing, slide shows, use of templates for reports and stories, and even web hunts.  Students also incorporate Science and Social Studies by use of simulation software.  Drawing software allows students to become computer artists.  They refine research and reporting techniques via databases and spreadsheets.   Every avenue of the curriculum is infused into the computer program. 

Classes from grades one though five are welcome for more informal times in the lab as well.  Third graders visit the lab for 15 extra minutes each week to build their keyboarding skills.  This really allows them the opportunity to know the entire keyboard by June!

Computer Club 

Birches Fifth Grade Computer Club meets weekly on Thursday afternoons.  During this time the club prepares for a LIVE Broadcast, throughout Birches School, aired live on Friday Morning.  The club puts together a slide show of announcements, a weather report, a thought for the day, and a video presentation.  Birches School tunes in Friday morning to see all of the latest announcements and the video.  Club time also provides a little bit of time for fun and computer games!

  Birches Computer Teacher/Specialist, Mrs. Mazzeo

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